Patak’s serves up sales hike

SALES at ethnic foods brand Patak’s raced ahead last year boosted by strong support from parent company Associated British Foods.

Although not broken down, Primark owner ABF said sales in its grocery division, which inlcudes Leigh-based Patak’s, rose 4% to £1.59bn and profit rose by 53% to £95m in the 24 weeks to February 27.

ABF, which also owns the Twinnings tea and Ovaltine drink brands, said:
“Advertising support for Patak’s drove good UK revenue growth and exports of Patak’s and Blue Dragon products were strongly ahead of last year.

“Whilst the weakness of sterling benefited export activity, its continued weakness increased the cost of imported raw materials and constrained margins.”

Patak’s, which was founded as a small family business in London in 1957, supplies more than 75% of the UK’s Indian restaurants with sauces and chutneys. It has a considerable export business too.

ABF acquired the business in May 2007 from the family in a deal worth around £105m.